those are the foia things he mentioned and reforming our tax code was one of them. that has been a principle that he supports. he's put forward ideas that would drive tax reform including the buffet rule, including specific proposals like limiting deductions for wealthier earners. so that is certainly a conversation that needs to take place, but we need to address some of these challenges that confront us right away. one way to do that is to pass those tax cuts for 98% of the american people. this is -- i mean, what i haven't heard is a plausible argument for why we shouldn't do that. republicans support these tax cuts and democrats support these tax cuts and independents support thiz tax cuts and the president supports these tax cuts. let's get them done and extend them. it's an excellent signal for the american people that we in washington can come together and take action in a manner that the american people support. yes. >> a couple of questions, jay. thank you. what's the thinking behind the president going to southeast asia at such a critical time for fiscal c